The Linux Alternative

Is it time to dump Windows for a Linux desktop system? For most of us, the answer is still "no." The Linux interface has improved, but Windows is better. I still hear from a lot of people who have

Linux has made some incredible advances in the past year, but it's still primarily for techie types, not business users. Linux-based machines will eventually grab a respectable piece of the desktop market from Microsoft and Apple. The future isn't here yet, however, and business users can't take a chance on systems that might someday deliver what they need. Keep a close eye on Linux, but for now stick with your Windows or Apple desktop systems.

Make sure you understand the distinctions between freeware, shareware, and open source software. If you've gotten interested enough to want to learn more about Linux, start with a primer on networking with Linux to get a sense of how this system is different from Windows.